Dad Gets Probation In Son’s Gunshot Death

LASVEGAS (AP) — A LasVegas father was sentenced to five years’ probation for neglecting his 5-year-old autistic son before the boy died of a self-inflicted gunshot to the head.

The LasVegas Review-Journal reports (http://bit.ly/r5bs8P ) that Clark County District Court Judge Jessie Walsh on Wednesday also ordered Alex Kopystenski to stay away from weapons.

Kopystenski pleaded guilty in January to child abuse and neglect with substantial bodily harm.

Authorities say Giovanni Kopystenski used a loaded handgun to shoot himself in July 2009 in his father’s car outside a LasVegas pharmacy.

He was pronounced dead at a hospital.

Prosecutors sought jail time. But defense attorney Stephen Stein told the judge the 33-year-old father has deep feelings of guilt, started a foundation in his son’s memory, and speaks publicly to prevent similar cases.